Serious Wednesday: Writing THE END

Writing "The End" has a particular pleasure for me. 

That's what I did this week, 

and it marked a successful endeavor to complete 

another book. 

What did it show to me (again)?

* That I persevered

* That I still have it in me to write books

* That my creativity still lurks somewhere deep inside me.

* That a person--me, in this instance--does not have to be defeated by life's busyness, illness, problems, or whatever.

No matter the circumstances and hindrances a person can write. You find the time. You find the inspiration. You find the grit to do this.

Why? Because you're a writer. You don't give up when you reach a plateau. Or when you don't want to write that day. You get a word or two or more down. 

Feelings are such a big part of a writer's life. You FEEL and that's what makes you a writer. You don't give up when critiques criticize when you get a bad review, when someone gives you a bad review or your feelings are hurt. You wallow for a bit, then square your shoulders, hold your head high, and begin writing. 

We study, learn and do better. That's why when I write "The End" I'm happy. I did it! I wrote yet another book. 

You can too! Don't give up.

Serious Wednesday: Time to Move On!

I took a break during the Christmas season. I hated to. I really did. But it was either that or lose my sanity. Lol. 

Do I regret it? Sort of. But most of all, I realize that at times a person has to do what they have to do. Why?

• Bodies get tired and overworked. When that happens the physical needs to rest or at least prioritize what's the most important. 
• Bodies and mind get stressed. When this happens both mind and body need to choose what is the most important and what they can and can't handle. 

But now, all that is behind me. I'm looking ahead, focusing on the items I didn't get finished and making plans to attend to these. One of these is finishing the novel I started this fall. 

• I accept that I may not get it completely finished in 2020 seeing I have only 3 more days to work on it, seeing I have only three more days to work on it. BUT...
• If I can knock out another thousand or two, then that will give me the spurt I need to head into 2021 to finish it. 
• My editor is expecting it shortly, so I KNOW I have to get it finished. 
• I want to finish it--badly! :)  
  
• And one good thing that's come out of THIS book-writing is that I've gotten quite a few ideas of how I will write the next and final book in the Appleton series. Good news, yes! 

I am moving on, excited and enthused to finally have the time I need to focus on writing this fifth Appleton book! 

Carry on, writing friends! 

Moving On...

Christmas is over. The shopping and planning and most get-togethers are finished for now. The
stress of what to buy, of spending what you don't have is done with...for now.

So what's next?

Next, for me, is taking stock. I'm facing, with God's blessing, a new year. Brand new and sparkling white and clean. So how to take advantage of it in the best possible way?

Take stock. Figure out where I am and where I want to be this time next year. 

1. In my writing, decide reasonable goals on what I want to accomplish. How many books will I be putting out there this year? One? Two? More? Then I must be diligent. Remind myself often that goals cannot be met without constant work. Every day get something written, and if I have to miss a day, there had better be a good reason!
2. In our ministry work:  how can I be a better helper to my husband? When I need to take initiative, can I do with it humbleness and wisdom? Is there someone I want to focus on in winning them to the Lord? What about encouragement? Who is God placing on my heart? 
3. In my own personal life?  Am I allowing laziness or negligence to contribute to missed devotional times with my God? How can I be more diligent in pursuing time alone with Him? What can I do to eliminate hindrances that prevent this? 
4. With my body? Yes, I need to lose a few pounds. Yes, I give way to eating unhealthy foods when I know I should refrain. How can I tighten up these faults? What can I do that will help me gain momentum in this area?

Enough? Of course. If I can attain these goals, I will have improved. Can I do it? I hope so. I'm going to try hard. 

What is one goal you're hoping to accomplish this year? 

Blessings and wishes for a wonderful New Year!